The Principles of Training Season 3 Episode 3: "Matching Steps"

[@Manon-k6y]

Hello. I just wanted to express my gratitude towards you for sharing your knowledge with us. Since I've been watching your videos about "matching steps", I could catch my horse for the first time peacefully in his paddock and in the pasture. This was impossible before or at least very stressful. I also love how open you are about your own journey and about how your horsemanship has been evolving over the years. Keep up this beautiful work. Thank you. Greetings from Belgium! Manon

[@cynthiathomas5754]

My horse had EPM, but we had a few comebacks ( he was older and also had EMS). So we did a lot of hand walking close to this manner. He was not allowed T/O the last year of his life( dangerous footing...And not many barns accomadate old unrideable horses with EMS). It changed both of our attitudes after hours of interaction and a peppering of strength building. He would end up very happy. I think the regular walks with grazing kept him alive alot longer.I still miss him. He taught me alot and many grieved at his passing. He was sweet and noble to the end.

[@kathym6211]

I picked up a book called Horse Speak the author describes different buttons on your horse like you described for example on the horses face the author called it the" head away button" evidently a mare uses this spot to keep her foals face away. Love your videos Warwick !

[@terigruen7449]

This has got to be my favorite Warwick Schiller video. First of all I have an older horse, and I thought we had a pretty good connection, but there was times when we just don't connect. I am having shoulder problems, and so this was a pretty good place for me to start. It took me about an hour, matching steps as she grazed at liberty. I turned sideways, and walked away. I stopped and looked at her, and she was staring at me. From a distance, I matched steps as she moved. This time as I walked further away from her, she followed me. I stopped, and she kept coming, ... The excitement of this simple exercise, was so fulfilling, and our connection has just grown from that. Thank you Warwick, for always giving us what we didn't know we needed!

[@lindaliestman4397]

Love seeing Bundy! Such a pretty boy! Matching steps makes so much sense with grazing herd animals.

[@kirstyfriend2193]

I recorded a training session with my horse, and watching it back, I noticed that we matched our steps subconsciously (well he was probably aware). But its a nice feeling, knowing that we share a deep connection. He's had a hard life as a trotter and so I just want him to relax and enjoy an easy life, hes got a beautiful soul.

[@pamelabrinkmeyer9931]

I do this all the time with my horse. I feel so connected to him in this way. I think he and I can listen to each other better when our bodies are in sync. It is like setting up cognitive resonance as well between horse and rider. So cool! Thank you for the confirmation and all you do to better humans with horses.

[@suzithewitch]

It works with couples, too. When everything is harmonious, couples tend to match steps. When there are stressors, a lot of times you'll notice their steps are out of phase.

[@lclarke7280]

nope, we match steps from having both spent our entire careers in the military and marching LOL

[@gailpletsch7851]

Thanks so much for this video! I have been trying this with one of my young horses and it's amazing how it helps us connect. Fun story though... I was matching steps with him (and he seemed very aware of this-- would take a step then look over at my feet) when he stopped, had a massive bowel movement, then looked right at me as if to say "dare ya to match that one!" LOL.

[@EmilyMundell]

I work at a kids summer camp with the horses there and we often do "walking trail rides" with younger kids and lead along with the horses. I always notice that the horse I walk beside will almost naturally fall in step with me, but if he becomes anxious about anything, it's quick to fall out of sync. If I make an effort to get it again, he will often relax in response. So interesting and so cool!

[@Ashley-ww5ze]

I have a very herd bound gelding and his pasture mate was moved. And my new weanling was put in with him. He paced and carried on for hours but my weanling started matching steps with him and he calmed down and is now happy with her in just 2 days. Anytime he starts pacing and looking for his old buddy she just matches steps and he stops.

[@galinasandorova5046]

I am looking forward to next episode!

[@timeenuf4200]

So many cool thoughts and tools in such a very short precious amount of time. Thank you.

[@Zauberberg09]

I can‘t believe this video. Seeing you interact is so beautiful. You know, what you are doing there is therapy. I had my fair share of bad therapists. I would book you without even having a horse. Thank you so much for sharing. Now I am considering the subscription because of that 🙃. Have a great Christmastime. Greetings from Germany 😀

[@jacquihankins4018]

This is a wonderful way to reconnect and have quality time together with no demands #journeyon20

[@dianaalfaro4850]

Wow, this exercise works wonders!! I currently loan a horse labelled as "challenging" and sure he was, he will come right over to you to kick you! He was uncatchable, he'll just draw you around an boot you out of his way if you didn't let go of the lead rope, after spending couple of weeks just hanging around with him in the field, he started to trust me more and will come to me when I call him, so I started to go grazing to a greener pasture with him, and I did the exercise of " connection" with the flag Warwick did with Pettey? (not sure if is spelt right haha ) in the arena, so I gave it a go and Marley will keep an eye on me all the time but kinda ignoring me, and won't move at all no matter how close I get with the flag. So I did this exercise instead, and omg! In a matter of 3 steps, Marley looked even startled! A few steps later he will just come to me straight away, and followed me wherever I walked to! ( I did the exercise with him loose ) And what's even better when he spooks now he looks at me for reassurance and comes over to me if he sees I don't react to the spook!

[@jenniferhodell5829]

This is such great information. I do this grazing with my horse all the time but never knew we were connecting. Now I can also stay present. Thanks for sharing your knowledge so openly!!!

[@KingsMom831]

6:56 Bundy’s like: “I can take it from here dad”😂😁

[@MattyDemello]

I like Bundy. What a beautiful horse. lol when the video cut to the arena, Bundy looked upset like "hey I wanted more grass" haha

[@Sofiarivassculptor]

Very wise and centered, love your training tips

[@MistySnowDrift]

I think this will help a ton with the progress of liberty training with my mare. It'll keep me more mentally present too. Thank you Warwick!

[@kirstinrobinson7750]

Wow looking forward to trying this out on all the horses I know for varying reasons 👍👍👍

[@liliahartley4242]

Nice information Warick, I like to think outside the box as well. I will be putting this into action at my next interaction with my two ponies.

[@edcravens5373]

This is Gold,to put in your saddlebag.Have been doing this for 6 days ,And my horse is changing his attitude ,seeming to relax at a deeper level.The journey is getting better after 4 years he just puts his head into the halter and wants to be more on the phone line , I'm hoping this is the year for his anxiety to not reach beyond what he can store. Too many rabbits makes for a bucking ride.

[@bonniehamlinart]

When I go into my coral my Arab runs over gets beside me and matches my steps. I didn’t realize she was doing that until I tripped and she quick stepped to get back in time with me. My other 3 horses just go strait to the feeder to wait for their hay.

[@abassage655]

am watching this one well, all of them! several times. Thanks.

[@valeriehudson7276]

Bundy is so coo,l what a ham- he could only be himself to that extent because he is that comfortable with you . . good work !

[@fallbrkgrl]

Bundy is adorable 🥰

[@Radhatter1]

Intriguing

[@hoofhearted3035]

Thank you for posting these "principles". Excellent!!!! Looking forward to seeing you at Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio.

[@mikelstewart9053]

Thanks Warwick! I believe that is going to be a great help in making me more aware of myself and my horse to improve our connection.

[@thelastmedici4764]

👌Brilliant

[@abassage655]

This is great. I have one some of this need to do more.

[@andreabenfell5580]

I did this with my horse, the grazing and matching steps, it was amazing ,I had the uncanny feeling he was trying to match my steps.

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

I do this sort of thing after exercising my horse. I call it unwinding ;) . I can see how this would benefit the horse to do any time.

[@nenaddjuric6518]

WOW ! Absolutely amazing !

[@fenyasiepser3965]

Love this I have a horse on stall rest and I am having trouble keeping connection with him and I can’t wait to try this

[@mdee860]

I can't believe I did this naturally from 1998-2000! I did all of this & they accepted me into their herd! Honor of my lifetime - to the point of the Arab putting his head in my lap! Eventually, when he wanted to get up, he raised his head & let me remove my legs before he got up! I so miss my herd.

[@lclarke7280]

very interesting, My mare and I matched foot steps automatically all the time, I have several photos of us in halter class on the exact same stride, walk and trot.

[@melaniefarmer75]

Thank you

[@paulacorso7954]

Thanks!

[@keithtaylor6069]

Bundy, your awesome

[@keithtaylor6069]

Wow I just got through doing this today but I didn't mirror him. So cool

[@Blinks46]

I do this all the time walking with my horse

[@bigmommaandfriends9902]

Warwick please check out more on the Present moment, with "James French" the Trust Technique ( with horses). It's so cool how both of you, are on the same plain with this knowledge, I went to a James French week long seminar here in the U.S. it was a fenominal experience. He and Shelly volunteer at the salt river wild horse sanctuary every year also. Please look them up.

[@howtohorsewhisper]

I love to see how you communicate with horses. Does all your hard work and patience go out the window once you return the horse back to its owner? Are you able to teach the humans, as well, how to continue on with your work? Horsespeak is probably my favourite language. 😊

[@WarwickSchiller]

I no longer tarin horses for the public, so that doesnt happen

[@mirandarasmussen3597]

I've bought a sensitive green Arabian mare and I've been struggling to build trust with her. I took her out to graze some lush grass yesterday and tried matching steps with her. After a few minutes she started nudging my hand briefly with her muzzle every time she looked up from grazing. I assume this was her way of acknowledging and connecting with me?

[@bliss5133]

Great

[@keithtaylor6069]

So cool

[@comesahorseman]

It's a Zen thing.... 😊

[@sintara8442]

This is so funny, this is one of the things i always do with my horses. I just bought a TB and this just build understanding so much. At first she thought i was quite intimitating, she even offered me her food which is something new for me. But by doing this i showed her Im not all that crazy or scary, im actually very predictable and horses Love it. After a short time she would match my foot steps instead of me matching hers. In case of doubt, she will bring her focus back on our feet. Its quite powerful.

[@epona9166]

I like the finger idea for when horses are in your space with their heads. Because it's slow and deliberate, it doesn't feel like a game to the horse. Playful horses will keep doing it to get a rise out of you. It seems to me like this wouldn't get that kind of response from the horse.

[@elisabethweinhard8478]

I Ilove Bundy!

[@marcelborkowski6201]

What do you do against ticks in such high grass?

[@Newcards4u]

So many people are unaware of their own bodies, but still want to be in control of someone else's body..

[@robinrummel1359]

Oh boy, isn't that the truth!

[@Zana_Boni]

On bad days I feel temped to ask, if they won't rather buy a bike ... But that's not quite helpful, so *I rather* remember that everyone may wish to be loved ;)

[@heathercollins4432]

Watching the video, I noticed that at some point Bundy started chewing on his lead rope (which has probably not much to do with the subject matter of the video, I know...) My guy likes to chew his lead rope also - it seems like a self-soothing thing, to me, so I don't reprimand him for it. He does it for just a few seconds at a time. I feel like this is an incorrect thing to allow him to do (but I still let him do it, because I don't want to pick that fight with him...) Any input on this would be great....also, we do the matching steps all the time...Thanks!!!

[@1234ELaursen]

In a scenario where you match steps with an anxious horse in the round pen and they snake their head and pin their ears at you, what would be your response?

[@WarwickSchiller]

I never match steps with an anxious horse, thats not the time to do it

[@debtompkins5363]

ever consider working bundy and sherlock as a pair.... they seem to match well

[@lisazappolo9989]

Interesting. When a herd of wild horses run, they all match steps and remain equidistant.

[@keithtaylor6069]

Ok just learned something

[@keithtaylor6069]

I done this this Eve u

[@keithtaylor6069]

Geeze. This evening

[@keithtaylor6069]

Guess I just need to watch you

[@keithtaylor6069]

I have the most awesome lil mare. I have been doing all this , and she is perfect in the pen. When we go out she gets excited about everything. I will spend 2 hours and evening with her out in the pen just standing with her. I think I got it figured out but I'm not sure I'm a dumbass. I think I answered my questions. But if I get on her she has Dynamite her ass....

[@louisecassidy5991]

A.B.

[@sebastianruizgomez576]

You have a job for me